Vatican booklet cites 'spiritual ecumenism' as route to unity By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS)
Every time Christians of different communities pray together, witness to the Gospel and help people in need, they are promoting Christian unity, said the Vatican's top ecumenist.
Joint prayer and Bible study, attendance at a major event of another denomination and working together for justice and peace are the components of "spiritual ecumenism" suggested by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
The cardinal is the author of "A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumenism," a booklet published in English late in 2006; the Italian edition will be released at the Vatican in time for the Jan. 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Read more...
Friday, December 29, 2006
Speak Up at WND's THE RICK WARREN DEBATE
Joseph VS Goliath
Posted by Watcher's Lamp on Dec 29, 2006 12:16
I applaud Joseph Farah's courage and tenacity in drawing attention to Rick Warren's continued "politicking" in the name of God. If one investigates the roots of Warren's theology, one will quickly see the ecumenical, man-centered philosophy which is repeatedly illustrated in the Biblical narrative as unholy, to say the least.
If one studies the network of churches Warren promotes, one would see the uncanny resemblance to a franchise model. One will quickly see how Warren grows the business, in the name of God.
Now the global PEACE plan is advocating unity among men, based on what we agree on and not what we disagree on regarding God, in the name of God.
The last time I checked, the peace plan in the Bible was designed to create peace between God and man through the death and resurrection of His Son, not the collective handholding of all religions.
If only more Christians, & Christian pastors displayed the same independent courage and tenacity that Joseph Farah has in speaking out against this trafficking and politicking in the name of God.
THE RICK WARREN DEBATE
Posted by Watcher's Lamp on Dec 29, 2006 12:16
I applaud Joseph Farah's courage and tenacity in drawing attention to Rick Warren's continued "politicking" in the name of God. If one investigates the roots of Warren's theology, one will quickly see the ecumenical, man-centered philosophy which is repeatedly illustrated in the Biblical narrative as unholy, to say the least.
If one studies the network of churches Warren promotes, one would see the uncanny resemblance to a franchise model. One will quickly see how Warren grows the business, in the name of God.
Now the global PEACE plan is advocating unity among men, based on what we agree on and not what we disagree on regarding God, in the name of God.
The last time I checked, the peace plan in the Bible was designed to create peace between God and man through the death and resurrection of His Son, not the collective handholding of all religions.
If only more Christians, & Christian pastors displayed the same independent courage and tenacity that Joseph Farah has in speaking out against this trafficking and politicking in the name of God.
THE RICK WARREN DEBATE
UK: One step closer to the Mark
UK sets plans in motion to roll out biometric national identity cards for citizens and foreign nationals to begin in 2008.
Physical details of all residents to be held on ID database
HAMISH MACDONELL SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR
"EVERYBODY living in the United Kingdom, including foreigners, will be required to have their biometric details recorded under the government's identity card scheme, it emerged yesterday. John Reid, the Home Secretary, announced that all UK residents, whether or not they were British citizens, would be forced to have their irises scanned and their fingerprints taken for the national database".
UK's Timetable for National Identity Card
Physical details of all residents to be held on ID database
HAMISH MACDONELL SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR
"EVERYBODY living in the United Kingdom, including foreigners, will be required to have their biometric details recorded under the government's identity card scheme, it emerged yesterday. John Reid, the Home Secretary, announced that all UK residents, whether or not they were British citizens, would be forced to have their irises scanned and their fingerprints taken for the national database".
UK's Timetable for National Identity Card
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Warren promotes his PEACE plan & Purpose Driven Churches on FOX Christmas Special
LAKE FOREST, Calif., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/
"...That's why this message of reconciliation, -- peace with God, of God and with each other -- is one that will ring true in a lot of hearts."
Pastor Warren will culminate his message by sharing the P.E.A.C.E. plan, a worldwide effort to mobilize one billion people to address the five global giants that encompass leadership, finance, health, education and faith. The P.E.A.C.E. plan is currently being tested in nearly 70 countries by Providing hope, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick and Educating the next generation.
At the conclusion of the telecast, Pastor Warren will invite viewers to visit a Web site,
ALERT !
New definition of a follower of Christ from Purpose Driven.com:
"churches will need to help people understand that being a fully devoted follower of Jesus means involvement in P.E.A.C.E."
See Item #6
Read about the force behind Warren's PEACE Plan
Read James Sundquist's online study of Biblical Peace vs Warren's P.E.A.C.E.
"...That's why this message of reconciliation, -- peace with God, of God and with each other -- is one that will ring true in a lot of hearts."
Pastor Warren will culminate his message by sharing the P.E.A.C.E. plan, a worldwide effort to mobilize one billion people to address the five global giants that encompass leadership, finance, health, education and faith. The P.E.A.C.E. plan is currently being tested in nearly 70 countries by Providing hope, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick and Educating the next generation.
At the conclusion of the telecast, Pastor Warren will invite viewers to visit a Web site,
ALERT !
New definition of a follower of Christ from Purpose Driven.com:
"churches will need to help people understand that being a fully devoted follower of Jesus means involvement in P.E.A.C.E."
See Item #6
Read about the force behind Warren's PEACE Plan
Read James Sundquist's online study of Biblical Peace vs Warren's P.E.A.C.E.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Ed Young, Jr. say Baptist methodology is "wack"
By JONI B. HANNIGAN
Florida Baptist Witness
"Young said newer, pastor-led churches are "theologically sound" and their leaders are using methodology learned from mega-church pastors like Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and Andy Stanley.
"The methodology that Baptists have given us is wack," Young said, using a youthful colloquialism. "It will not work in the local church."
"The Baptist thing's not working; we are doing a horrible job," Young said. "Let's just face the music. We have more money, more supplies [and] we've done a pitiful job. In my opinion, over the last 20 or 30 years.
"All the young guys; you know the new generation people, they've gone to Rick Warren, they've gone to Bill Hybels and that's where everybody has gotten their great stuff," Young said. "Our seminaries are great for theology, but you know, in a lot of cases, I do the opposite of what I was told at seminary about how to run a church. The opposite."
Editor's note: Doing the "opposite" is further demonstrated by Young's participation in Robert Schuller's Possibility Thinking / Faith Forward Conference. Sharing the stage with a number emerging church personalities, Anglican & Roman Catholic priests, and a new age sympathizer . The Crystal Cathedral Conference.
Florida Baptist Witness
"Young said newer, pastor-led churches are "theologically sound" and their leaders are using methodology learned from mega-church pastors like Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and Andy Stanley.
"The methodology that Baptists have given us is wack," Young said, using a youthful colloquialism. "It will not work in the local church."
"The Baptist thing's not working; we are doing a horrible job," Young said. "Let's just face the music. We have more money, more supplies [and] we've done a pitiful job. In my opinion, over the last 20 or 30 years.
"All the young guys; you know the new generation people, they've gone to Rick Warren, they've gone to Bill Hybels and that's where everybody has gotten their great stuff," Young said. "Our seminaries are great for theology, but you know, in a lot of cases, I do the opposite of what I was told at seminary about how to run a church. The opposite."
Editor's note: Doing the "opposite" is further demonstrated by Young's participation in Robert Schuller's Possibility Thinking / Faith Forward Conference. Sharing the stage with a number emerging church personalities, Anglican & Roman Catholic priests, and a new age sympathizer . The Crystal Cathedral Conference.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Virginia Baptist Mission Board partners with Saddleback Church
From the Watcher's Lamp:
The Virginia Baptist Mission Board announces the partnering with Saddleback Church on the P.E.A.C.E. plan
"This elegant vision of what courage might look like will instruct and inspire us to attack the spiritual giants that cripple our neighborhoods, our commonwealth, and the world. Come and be a part of spreading “P.E.A.C.E. in 21-C!”
The Virginia Baptist Mission Board website offers a variety of resources from church marketing experts, new age sympathizers and purveyors of Roman Catholic mysticism such as:
Dan Kimball's Worship in the Emerging Church
Why Church Size Matters
Willow Creek's Preaching to Seekers
Dallas Willard's The Spiritual Disciplines
Church Marketing
Lee Strobel & friends "Inside the Mind of the Unchurched"
Run the names through database at Lighthouse Research Trails and see for yourself.
What of the salt if it looses it's flavor?
The Virginia Baptist Mission Board announces the partnering with Saddleback Church on the P.E.A.C.E. plan
"This elegant vision of what courage might look like will instruct and inspire us to attack the spiritual giants that cripple our neighborhoods, our commonwealth, and the world. Come and be a part of spreading “P.E.A.C.E. in 21-C!”
The Virginia Baptist Mission Board website offers a variety of resources from church marketing experts, new age sympathizers and purveyors of Roman Catholic mysticism such as:
Dan Kimball's Worship in the Emerging Church
Why Church Size Matters
Willow Creek's Preaching to Seekers
Dallas Willard's The Spiritual Disciplines
Church Marketing
Lee Strobel & friends "Inside the Mind of the Unchurched"
Run the names through database at Lighthouse Research Trails and see for yourself.
What of the salt if it looses it's flavor?
OPEN LETTER TO DR. FRANK PAGE, President of the SBC
From Ken Silva, SBC pastor and founder of Apprising Ministries
"...as an SBC pastor I felt led to write Southern Baptist Convention Embracing Gnostic Mysticism . This piece mentioned both Kent Shirley, who is Director of Missions for Grand Valley Baptist Association (SBC) in CO and the president of the SBC Dr. Frank Page. The response from brother pastors and others in the SBC which would lead to a follow up article SBC Embraces Emergent Church And Contemplative Spirituality. The Lord then moved upon Phil Perkins, a brother in the SBC who teaches at a small SBC school, to contact me and he shared his Open Letter to Frank Page and Kent Shirley."
Additional articles:
AN SBC PASTOR INVESTIGATES EMERGENT AND CONTEMPLATIVE WITHIN THE SBC
Rick Warren Promoting The Emergent Penetration of the SBC
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION EMBRACING GNOSTIC MYSTICISM
"...as an SBC pastor I felt led to write Southern Baptist Convention Embracing Gnostic Mysticism . This piece mentioned both Kent Shirley, who is Director of Missions for Grand Valley Baptist Association (SBC) in CO and the president of the SBC Dr. Frank Page. The response from brother pastors and others in the SBC which would lead to a follow up article SBC Embraces Emergent Church And Contemplative Spirituality. The Lord then moved upon Phil Perkins, a brother in the SBC who teaches at a small SBC school, to contact me and he shared his Open Letter to Frank Page and Kent Shirley."
Additional articles:
AN SBC PASTOR INVESTIGATES EMERGENT AND CONTEMPLATIVE WITHIN THE SBC
Rick Warren Promoting The Emergent Penetration of the SBC
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION EMBRACING GNOSTIC MYSTICISM
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Rick Warren Distorts the Instructions of Jesus to Fit His Global Peace Plan
Editor's note: As Rick Warren uses his PEACE plan and the religious rallying cry to fight against AIDS and now malaria, one need only look back to see the error in his theology
From Lighthouse Trails Research
This interview showed very clearly Warren's dream to see Christians and Catholics join together, stating that "minor doctrinal differences" should not keep them separated. "What I am interested in is bringing the church together ... we are never going to agree on a lot of things, but I found we do agree on purpose." He talked about the purposes that all Catholics and Protestants agree on.
But as he has done so many times in the past, Warren took his ecumenism a big step further than just a union of Catholics and Protestants. As Warren did at the Pew Forum on Religion last year, he explained to Rose his "man of peace" concept and said that every village, every government, every place has a man (or woman) of peace. "The man of peace is open and influential ... and here's the other thing, the man of peace does not have to be a Christian believer ... could be Muslim, could be Jewish."
From Lighthouse Trails Research
This interview showed very clearly Warren's dream to see Christians and Catholics join together, stating that "minor doctrinal differences" should not keep them separated. "What I am interested in is bringing the church together ... we are never going to agree on a lot of things, but I found we do agree on purpose." He talked about the purposes that all Catholics and Protestants agree on.
But as he has done so many times in the past, Warren took his ecumenism a big step further than just a union of Catholics and Protestants. As Warren did at the Pew Forum on Religion last year, he explained to Rose his "man of peace" concept and said that every village, every government, every place has a man (or woman) of peace. "The man of peace is open and influential ... and here's the other thing, the man of peace does not have to be a Christian believer ... could be Muslim, could be Jewish."
The Gathering Storm over Israel
By Jerry Golden
We are looking at the possibility of three civil wars in the region, With the Iranian backed Hezbollah Shiites trying to take over Lebanon the so-called Christian Arabs are losing their country and their democracy. With Iranian backed Hamas in Gaza trying to take over the PA (Fatah). And the Iranian backed Shiites in Iraq killing thousands of Sunnis, and the Sunnis infiltrated by al-Qaida killing over 3,000 US troops as well. The two common denominators are they are all three backed by Iran and they all want to destroy Israel.
As for what the International community sees as the demise of Israel even the Pope is making a play to claim land in Israel, Olmert our worse Prime Minister ever is going to Rome to talk to the Pope about giving him the top part of Mount Zion, where the tomb of King David and the Upper Room now sits. This will certainly re-enforce those who believe the Pope will be the anti-Christ. This coupled with the fact that he just stood in a Mosque in Turkey with Moslem Leaders facing Mecca with his shoes off in prayer.
We are looking at the possibility of three civil wars in the region, With the Iranian backed Hezbollah Shiites trying to take over Lebanon the so-called Christian Arabs are losing their country and their democracy. With Iranian backed Hamas in Gaza trying to take over the PA (Fatah). And the Iranian backed Shiites in Iraq killing thousands of Sunnis, and the Sunnis infiltrated by al-Qaida killing over 3,000 US troops as well. The two common denominators are they are all three backed by Iran and they all want to destroy Israel.
As for what the International community sees as the demise of Israel even the Pope is making a play to claim land in Israel, Olmert our worse Prime Minister ever is going to Rome to talk to the Pope about giving him the top part of Mount Zion, where the tomb of King David and the Upper Room now sits. This will certainly re-enforce those who believe the Pope will be the anti-Christ. This coupled with the fact that he just stood in a Mosque in Turkey with Moslem Leaders facing Mecca with his shoes off in prayer.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
God, Creation & NASA
From the Watcher's Lamp Dec 8, 2006
This week has been very exciting for scientific community. NASA found stunning evidence that water may even now be flowing on Mars. The concept of water or ice on Mars dates back to the early 1800's. However evidence wasn't confirmed until until the new millenium with images from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. This confirmation now fuels the search for life, albeit microbial, on Mars. It has invigorated a NASA time table to launch manned missions to Mars via a permanent moon base which was also announced this week.
On Monday, December 5, 2006 NASA researchers at Johnson Space Center that they have found Primordial Organic Matter in a meteorite that fell to earth in 2000. The organic matter contained in the meteorite "may have seeded the early Earth with the building blocks of life." Additional research by Nasa, named "Genesis, the search for origins also seeks to substantiate the origins of the universe.
As scientific evidence seems to be building to support the concept of life from the stars, known as panspermia, how will Christians respond ? Will NASA overwrite the Bible the same way the state legislatures and courts have done? How will professing Christians, who have been willing to embrace popular false teachers & false doctrines, respond to images beamed from Mars that may turn man's popular understanding of human history upside down ? Are you standing on the Rock or have you been playing in the sand ? Get back on the Rock before the flood and the strong delusion comes.
This week has been very exciting for scientific community. NASA found stunning evidence that water may even now be flowing on Mars. The concept of water or ice on Mars dates back to the early 1800's. However evidence wasn't confirmed until until the new millenium with images from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. This confirmation now fuels the search for life, albeit microbial, on Mars. It has invigorated a NASA time table to launch manned missions to Mars via a permanent moon base which was also announced this week.
On Monday, December 5, 2006 NASA researchers at Johnson Space Center that they have found Primordial Organic Matter in a meteorite that fell to earth in 2000. The organic matter contained in the meteorite "may have seeded the early Earth with the building blocks of life." Additional research by Nasa, named "Genesis, the search for origins also seeks to substantiate the origins of the universe.
As scientific evidence seems to be building to support the concept of life from the stars, known as panspermia, how will Christians respond ? Will NASA overwrite the Bible the same way the state legislatures and courts have done? How will professing Christians, who have been willing to embrace popular false teachers & false doctrines, respond to images beamed from Mars that may turn man's popular understanding of human history upside down ? Are you standing on the Rock or have you been playing in the sand ? Get back on the Rock before the flood and the strong delusion comes.
Tehran Seeks Ways to Capitalize on Olmert’s Nuclear Admission
DEBKAfile’s Iranian sources report the Islamic Republic plans an extensive campaign to justify its nuclear program, based on Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert’s statement in Berlin Monday, Dec. 11, listing Israel with the world’s nuclear powers. Tehran also hopes to rebut the universal revulsion stirred by the Holocaust denial conference president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad staged this week.
(” Israel doesn’t threaten any country,” said Olmert. “Iran openly, explicitly and publicly threatens to wipe Israel off the map. Can you see this on the same level when you are aspiring to have a nuclear weapon like the US, France, Israel and Russia?”)
Tehran’s first step was a call Wednesday, Dec. 13, on the UN Security Council and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to combat “Israeli threats.” It was issued by the foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini in Tehran.
See also
Iran president says Israel's days are numbered
(” Israel doesn’t threaten any country,” said Olmert. “Iran openly, explicitly and publicly threatens to wipe Israel off the map. Can you see this on the same level when you are aspiring to have a nuclear weapon like the US, France, Israel and Russia?”)
Tehran’s first step was a call Wednesday, Dec. 13, on the UN Security Council and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to combat “Israeli threats.” It was issued by the foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini in Tehran.
See also
Iran president says Israel's days are numbered
UK Government Proposals Approve Human/Animal Embryo Hybrids
By Gudrun Schultz
LONDON, United Kingdom, December 12, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - British researchers would be permitted to create human/animal embryo hybrids using test tube technology, under sweeping new proposals to be introduced by government health officials this week, the Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday.
Known as "chimeras", the embryos would be produced by combining human and animal genetic material within a laboratory setting--the North East England Stem Cell Institute has already requested permission to create an embryo that is part human and part cow.
See also Fatherless babies in fertility revolution
LONDON, United Kingdom, December 12, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - British researchers would be permitted to create human/animal embryo hybrids using test tube technology, under sweeping new proposals to be introduced by government health officials this week, the Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday.
Known as "chimeras", the embryos would be produced by combining human and animal genetic material within a laboratory setting--the North East England Stem Cell Institute has already requested permission to create an embryo that is part human and part cow.
See also Fatherless babies in fertility revolution
Tehran's Holocaust Denial Conference
Tehran's Holocaust Denial Conference
By P. David Hornik
FrontPageMagazine.com
Iran, which has often proclaimed its intent to carry out a second Holocaust, this time against the Jews concentrated in Israel, will be holding a Holocaust-denial conference on December 11-12.
A certain illogic is evident: if you yourself find Jews so loathsome that you seek to exterminate them, why is it implausible that someone else should have had the same idea and acted on it, especially when so many people including all reputable historians say that is exactly what happened just six decades ago?
By P. David Hornik
FrontPageMagazine.com
Iran, which has often proclaimed its intent to carry out a second Holocaust, this time against the Jews concentrated in Israel, will be holding a Holocaust-denial conference on December 11-12.
A certain illogic is evident: if you yourself find Jews so loathsome that you seek to exterminate them, why is it implausible that someone else should have had the same idea and acted on it, especially when so many people including all reputable historians say that is exactly what happened just six decades ago?
Monday, December 11, 2006
Why Fight for the Truth
John MacArthur writes:
Truth is under heavy attack, and there are too few courageous warriors who are willing to fight. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, believers from this generation will not be able to justify their apathy by complaining that the strife of conflict over truth just seemed “too negative” for the kind of culture we lived in—or that the issues were “merely doctrinal” and therefore not worth the effort.
Remember, Christ rebuked the churches in Revelation 2–3 who had tolerated false teachers in their midst (2:14–16; 20–23). He expressly commended the Ephesian church for examining the claims of certain false apostles and exposing them as liars (2:2). Churches have a clear duty to guard the faith against false teachers who infiltrate. Christ Himself demands it.
Truth is under heavy attack, and there are too few courageous warriors who are willing to fight. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, believers from this generation will not be able to justify their apathy by complaining that the strife of conflict over truth just seemed “too negative” for the kind of culture we lived in—or that the issues were “merely doctrinal” and therefore not worth the effort.
Remember, Christ rebuked the churches in Revelation 2–3 who had tolerated false teachers in their midst (2:14–16; 20–23). He expressly commended the Ephesian church for examining the claims of certain false apostles and exposing them as liars (2:2). Churches have a clear duty to guard the faith against false teachers who infiltrate. Christ Himself demands it.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Vatican: Pope's Prayer In Mosque Is A 'New Horizon' In Interfaith
by Roger Oakland of Understanding the Times
Pope Benedict XVI's moment of prayer at Istanbul's Blue Mosque last week has opened up a "new horizon in interreligious dialogue" according to a top Italian Roman Catholic cleric, Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia. "For the first time a Pope appealed to God in a Mosque. Not even Pope John Paul II did it in the Damascus Mosque," Paglia said referring to the 2001 visit to Syria by Benedict's predecessor.
Paglia, who heads the Italian Bishop Conference's interreligious dialogue commission and is bishop of the central Italian town of Terni, made the remarks in an inteview published Thurday on the Rome-based daily Il Messaggero.
Benedict, before his election as pope in April 2005 and as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger spoke out against what he called "relativism" - the trend to regard all religions as essentially equal - a conviction that according to Paglia has not wavered despite the pope's prayer in the mosque accompanied by Turkey's Muslim Grand Mufti.
Pope Benedict XVI's moment of prayer at Istanbul's Blue Mosque last week has opened up a "new horizon in interreligious dialogue" according to a top Italian Roman Catholic cleric, Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia. "For the first time a Pope appealed to God in a Mosque. Not even Pope John Paul II did it in the Damascus Mosque," Paglia said referring to the 2001 visit to Syria by Benedict's predecessor.
Paglia, who heads the Italian Bishop Conference's interreligious dialogue commission and is bishop of the central Italian town of Terni, made the remarks in an inteview published Thurday on the Rome-based daily Il Messaggero.
Benedict, before his election as pope in April 2005 and as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger spoke out against what he called "relativism" - the trend to regard all religions as essentially equal - a conviction that according to Paglia has not wavered despite the pope's prayer in the mosque accompanied by Turkey's Muslim Grand Mufti.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Warren, Obama: It takes more than wings to fly
By Jill Stanek for World Net Daily
"Despite pressure from social conservatives, Pastor Rick Warren refused to uninvite U.S. Sen. Barack Obama from his AIDS conference last week, although Obama is pro-abortion and pro-homosexual.
During the conference, Warren explained, "You have to have two wings to fly," apparently a right wing and a left wing.
In so many words Warren portrayed conservatives as bigoted for demanding that those we allow in our flock agree on all issues, as if that were actually true, and as if abortion and homosexuality were just issues to be lumped with all others."
"Despite pressure from social conservatives, Pastor Rick Warren refused to uninvite U.S. Sen. Barack Obama from his AIDS conference last week, although Obama is pro-abortion and pro-homosexual.
During the conference, Warren explained, "You have to have two wings to fly," apparently a right wing and a left wing.
In so many words Warren portrayed conservatives as bigoted for demanding that those we allow in our flock agree on all issues, as if that were actually true, and as if abortion and homosexuality were just issues to be lumped with all others."
The Generation of the Messiah
Jack Kinsella of the Omega Letter writes:
"The Islamic world is so convinced of the soon appearance of their own messiah that they are willing to bring about a global conflagration in order to hasten his appearance. So we have the world's three largest monotheistic religions all convinced at the same point in history that this is the generation of the messiah. All three are actively making preparations in advance of his appearance. The Jews expect their messiah to bring global peace. The Muslims expect their messiah to bring global war. Daniel identifies the antichrist as a false messiah who rises to power by means of the promise of peace and then plunges the world into a global war of annihilation against Christians and Jews."
"The Islamic world is so convinced of the soon appearance of their own messiah that they are willing to bring about a global conflagration in order to hasten his appearance. So we have the world's three largest monotheistic religions all convinced at the same point in history that this is the generation of the messiah. All three are actively making preparations in advance of his appearance. The Jews expect their messiah to bring global peace. The Muslims expect their messiah to bring global war. Daniel identifies the antichrist as a false messiah who rises to power by means of the promise of peace and then plunges the world into a global war of annihilation against Christians and Jews."
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE REFORMATION?
by Rev. Ken Silva
Good Ol’ Boy Apostates And Liberals
Now before you get out the tars and feathers and the stack up the green word, I used the Holman Christian Standard Bible on...*ahem*, purpose because it was done by the SBC. I figured maybe then they’d pay attention, though I still happen to doubt they will. Recently I became aware of some serious problems with Emergent and heretical Contemplative Spirituality penetrating deeply into the ranks of the Southern Baptist Convention. I’ve been an SBC pastor since 1994 when I planted a mission church. At first I was involved with local and state ministerial associations etc. until it appeared to be too much of a “good ol’ boy” network for my tastes.
Good Ol’ Boy Apostates And Liberals
Now before you get out the tars and feathers and the stack up the green word, I used the Holman Christian Standard Bible on...*ahem*, purpose because it was done by the SBC. I figured maybe then they’d pay attention, though I still happen to doubt they will. Recently I became aware of some serious problems with Emergent and heretical Contemplative Spirituality penetrating deeply into the ranks of the Southern Baptist Convention. I’ve been an SBC pastor since 1994 when I planted a mission church. At first I was involved with local and state ministerial associations etc. until it appeared to be too much of a “good ol’ boy” network for my tastes.
Monday, December 4, 2006
Erwin McManus: The Emergent Penetration of the SBC
by Ingrid Schlueter:
"We have now reached a time of judgment within the American Christian Church due to ignoring warning from godly men like Leonard Ravenhill: "Oh mercy, how we're trying to steady the ark of God these days. We don't just want to steady it. We want to do some new thing." So now I have also been led of God to begin a thorough examination into the theology of rising Emergent SBC "Lead Pastor and Cultural Architect" Erwin McManus of Mosaic, which we're told "emerges as a reference point for the future."
Additional commentary on the in-roads of the emerging church and the Southern Baptist Convention. See the SBC of California's line up of emerging church presenters at On Target Evangelism. See post Here Come the Candles from November 29th.
"We have now reached a time of judgment within the American Christian Church due to ignoring warning from godly men like Leonard Ravenhill: "Oh mercy, how we're trying to steady the ark of God these days. We don't just want to steady it. We want to do some new thing." So now I have also been led of God to begin a thorough examination into the theology of rising Emergent SBC "Lead Pastor and Cultural Architect" Erwin McManus of Mosaic, which we're told "emerges as a reference point for the future."
Additional commentary on the in-roads of the emerging church and the Southern Baptist Convention. See the SBC of California's line up of emerging church presenters at On Target Evangelism. See post Here Come the Candles from November 29th.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
John MacArthur's Primer on the Emerging Church
By John MacArthur
"From the very beginning, the battle between good and evil has been a battle for the truth. The serpent, in the Garden of Eden, began his temptation by questioning the truthfulness of God’s previous instruction: “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’? … “You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:1,4–5). And this has been his tactic ever since—casting doubt on the straightforward revelation of God."
"From the very beginning, the battle between good and evil has been a battle for the truth. The serpent, in the Garden of Eden, began his temptation by questioning the truthfulness of God’s previous instruction: “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’? … “You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:1,4–5). And this has been his tactic ever since—casting doubt on the straightforward revelation of God."
Purpose-Driven Deception on a Global Scale
By Berit Kjos
"America's Pastor" Rick Warren rarely misses an opportunity to highlight the sales of his books or the influence of his PEACE Plan. But his latest boast to Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily reveals a depth of deception that demands both a sober response and a public warning. And it begs answers to these puzzling questions:
Why would the globalist Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) invite a Christian Pastor to join its semi-secret, anti-Christian organization?
How might Rick Warren benefit the elite Oxford Analytica, which works with globalist power brokers such as J.P. Morgan, the Aspen Institute, the World Bank?
What could drive Pastor Warren to lie and deny his taped dialogue with a Syrian Muslim leader?"
See also Kjos' article on Trading the Truth for a social gospel.
"America's Pastor" Rick Warren rarely misses an opportunity to highlight the sales of his books or the influence of his PEACE Plan. But his latest boast to Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily reveals a depth of deception that demands both a sober response and a public warning. And it begs answers to these puzzling questions:
Why would the globalist Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) invite a Christian Pastor to join its semi-secret, anti-Christian organization?
How might Rick Warren benefit the elite Oxford Analytica, which works with globalist power brokers such as J.P. Morgan, the Aspen Institute, the World Bank?
What could drive Pastor Warren to lie and deny his taped dialogue with a Syrian Muslim leader?"
See also Kjos' article on Trading the Truth for a social gospel.
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Fox News, Zondervan & R. Warren: Follow the money
From Watcher's Lamp
Find it hard to believe that ABC News would attack the Warren / Obama / AIDS collaboration and Fox News would be soft toward the subject? At first blush, "Yes", but once the relationship between Fox News, Rick Warren & his publisher Zondervan and Rupert Murdock, owner of both Zondervan and Fox Media is revealed, the "impossible" becomes probable.
Find it hard to believe that ABC News would attack the Warren / Obama / AIDS collaboration and Fox News would be soft toward the subject? At first blush, "Yes", but once the relationship between Fox News, Rick Warren & his publisher Zondervan and Rupert Murdock, owner of both Zondervan and Fox Media is revealed, the "impossible" becomes probable.
Has Rick Warren Lost Sight of His Purpose?
By Sonja Dalton
Here is my perspective on Rick Warren’s “Global AIDS Summit” (held Dec 1, 2006)…
The key question is: What is the mission of the church? Is it to prevent/treat/cure physical disease - or to cure spiritual disease?
We are told what to do for the sick:
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord… — James 5:14
Here is my perspective on Rick Warren’s “Global AIDS Summit” (held Dec 1, 2006)…
The key question is: What is the mission of the church? Is it to prevent/treat/cure physical disease - or to cure spiritual disease?
We are told what to do for the sick:
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord… — James 5:14
Friday, December 1, 2006
Another View of Warren's AIDS Conference
from Watcher's Lamp
While "Rick Warren's AIDS conference has drawn well-deserved ire from several directions, one subtle component has quietly been brought to fruition. Nestled in the following quote is a more alarming intention:
"It (the Church) needs to become the third leg of a stool highlighted Dr. Robert Redfield, co-founder of the Institute for Human Virology, explaining the other two legs are the government and businesses. “It is the Church that is the fundamental centerpiece for health.” An effective illustration to an old fashion stool seems innocent until you connect the dots Rick Warren has been promoting in his global P.E.A.C.E. plan.
On the other side of the world, the Pope pays ecumenical homage to rebuild the confidence of the Muslum world by .praying at a mosque.
It is just a matter of time before the ecumenical "Protestants" of our Western culture link arms with the ecumenical Europeans in the name of wellness, peace and community, but not in the Name of Jesus Christ. If you don't know where your pastor stands on the Purpose Driven Church, Purpose Driven Life and Warren's doctrines, ask him. Be prepared, you may not like the answer
While "Rick Warren's AIDS conference has drawn well-deserved ire from several directions, one subtle component has quietly been brought to fruition. Nestled in the following quote is a more alarming intention:
"It (the Church) needs to become the third leg of a stool highlighted Dr. Robert Redfield, co-founder of the Institute for Human Virology, explaining the other two legs are the government and businesses. “It is the Church that is the fundamental centerpiece for health.” An effective illustration to an old fashion stool seems innocent until you connect the dots Rick Warren has been promoting in his global P.E.A.C.E. plan.
On the other side of the world, the Pope pays ecumenical homage to rebuild the confidence of the Muslum world by .praying at a mosque.
It is just a matter of time before the ecumenical "Protestants" of our Western culture link arms with the ecumenical Europeans in the name of wellness, peace and community, but not in the Name of Jesus Christ. If you don't know where your pastor stands on the Purpose Driven Church, Purpose Driven Life and Warren's doctrines, ask him. Be prepared, you may not like the answer
Unity in Deeds is NOT Unity Indeed
From Chris Rosebrough at Extreme Theology:
"What is the mission of the church? Well if you believe Rick Warren, then it is something far different than making disciples of all nations... Rick Warren truly believes that the mission of the church is something other than its message. That is what is causing the controversy regarding his invitation to Barack Obama to speak at Saddleback Church. Warren believes that if he puts people together who normally don’t talk to each other (because of their creedal differences) and UNITE them in a good deed, like solving the AIDS crisis then the church will again be united and fulfilling its mission. What could be wrong with that? Fighting the blight of AIDS is a good and noble thing isn’t it? Shouldn't we be working with everyone to solve this problem?"
"What is the mission of the church? Well if you believe Rick Warren, then it is something far different than making disciples of all nations... Rick Warren truly believes that the mission of the church is something other than its message. That is what is causing the controversy regarding his invitation to Barack Obama to speak at Saddleback Church. Warren believes that if he puts people together who normally don’t talk to each other (because of their creedal differences) and UNITE them in a good deed, like solving the AIDS crisis then the church will again be united and fulfilling its mission. What could be wrong with that? Fighting the blight of AIDS is a good and noble thing isn’t it? Shouldn't we be working with everyone to solve this problem?"
Thursday, November 30, 2006
One more step toward the the One World Religion
Kissinger to Serve As Papal Adviser?
BY EDWARD PENTIN Register Correspondent:
VATICAN CITY — Over the course of his long and controversial career, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has had many titles. Now he reportedly has one more — adviser to the Pope. According to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Pope Benedict XVI has invited the 83-year-old former adviser to Richard Nixon to be a political consultant, and Kissinger has accepted.
BY EDWARD PENTIN Register Correspondent:
VATICAN CITY — Over the course of his long and controversial career, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has had many titles. Now he reportedly has one more — adviser to the Pope. According to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Pope Benedict XVI has invited the 83-year-old former adviser to Richard Nixon to be a political consultant, and Kissinger has accepted.
Rick Warren defends Barack Obama invitation
By Gwendolyn Driscoll, The Orange County Register:
"In series of impassioned emails and statements issued this week, Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren defended his invitation of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama-Ill., to attend a church-sponsored AIDS conference, which begins today. The senator, whose support for abortion rights is at odds with conservative evangelical beliefs, is scheduled to speak Friday morning at Saddleback Church's second-annual "Global Summit on AIDS"
"In series of impassioned emails and statements issued this week, Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren defended his invitation of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama-Ill., to attend a church-sponsored AIDS conference, which begins today. The senator, whose support for abortion rights is at odds with conservative evangelical beliefs, is scheduled to speak Friday morning at Saddleback Church's second-annual "Global Summit on AIDS"
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Here come the candles...Southern Baptist Convention Teams Up with Ken Blanchard And Erwin McManus
Lighthouse Research Trails reports: "Southern Baptist Convention continues to make the descent into spiritual formation (i.e., contemplative spirituality). At their upcoming (Feb. 2007) On Target Evangelism conference, speakers will be New Age sympathizer Ken Blanchard and emerging church proponent, Erwin McManus. In addition to Blanchard's long history, including current activity, of promoting New Age authors and teachers (with a particular focus on meditation), Blanchard is on the board of the Hoffman Institute, home of the Hoffman Quadrinity Process. McManus, author of The Barbarian Way, says: "My goal is to destroy Christianity as a world religion and be a recatalyst for the movement of Jesus Christ ... Some people are upset with me because it sounds like I'm anti-Christian. I think they might be right."
Warren's Gospel of Good Works Lacks the Truth of the Gospel
Rick Warren's Latest Damage Control by Rev. Ken Silva:
"Seems Mr. Warren has been very busy with his writing lately. This email was sent to his church today. You may wish to note the emphasis I added below. Warren is telling us that even non-Christian business leaders and showbiz entertainers are going to be working him to "end AIDS." Here is the text of this email from Rick Warren..."
"Seems Mr. Warren has been very busy with his writing lately. This email was sent to his church today. You may wish to note the emphasis I added below. Warren is telling us that even non-Christian business leaders and showbiz entertainers are going to be working him to "end AIDS." Here is the text of this email from Rick Warren..."
Warren calls Southern Baptist Convention’s withdrawal from BWA was a “silly” mistake.
Looking back to August 2005, the purpose driven agenda becomes more clear...By Trennis Henderson Editor of Western Recorder:
Birmingham, England—Urging Christians to pursue “a new reformation” in the 21st century, Rick Warren told Baptist World Congress delegates last week, “The first Reformation was about belief. This one needs to be about behavior.” “We need a reformation of not creeds but deeds,” said Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church in California and author of the best-selling book, “The Purpose Driven Church.”
Birmingham, England—Urging Christians to pursue “a new reformation” in the 21st century, Rick Warren told Baptist World Congress delegates last week, “The first Reformation was about belief. This one needs to be about behavior.” “We need a reformation of not creeds but deeds,” said Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church in California and author of the best-selling book, “The Purpose Driven Church.”
Southern Baptist Convention VP calls for Warren to recind Obama invitation
Wiley Drake, second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, also voiced his opposition in a personal e-mail sent to Warren and media outlets Nov. 28. Drake, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, Calif., just north of the Lake Forest, Calif., megachurch, addressed his note to a "fellow Southern Baptist pastor." While not an initial signer to the pro-lifers' letter, Drake repeated the request for Warren to rescind the invitation "to the enemy Senator Obama." He wrote he was "very disappointed at this move and ... this is bad for the Kingdom of God."
Will the real Rick Warren please stand up?
Joseph Farah of WorldNet Daily receives mixed messages from Rick Warren:
"I received the following apology from Rick Warren Sunday night...A few minutes after I dashed off my reply, I got another e-mail forwarded to me from a member of Rick Warren's church. The juxtaposition of these two e-mails sent on the same day was striking."
"I received the following apology from Rick Warren Sunday night...A few minutes after I dashed off my reply, I got another e-mail forwarded to me from a member of Rick Warren's church. The juxtaposition of these two e-mails sent on the same day was striking."
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Church Leaders Distressed Over Obama Visit
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 /Christian Newswire/
Members of many denominations ask Saddleback Church to cancel senator's appearance-- Church leaders from Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant traditions today expressed disappointment and deep distress over the impending visit of Illinois Senator Barack Obama to the Saddleback Church of Orange County, California, pastored by leading Evangelical Rick Warren. "Senator Obama's policies represent the antithesis of biblical ethics and morality, not to mention supreme American values," said the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), president of the National Clergy Council and chair of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical Church Alliance, America's oldest association of Evangelical ministers.
Members of many denominations ask Saddleback Church to cancel senator's appearance-- Church leaders from Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant traditions today expressed disappointment and deep distress over the impending visit of Illinois Senator Barack Obama to the Saddleback Church of Orange County, California, pastored by leading Evangelical Rick Warren. "Senator Obama's policies represent the antithesis of biblical ethics and morality, not to mention supreme American values," said the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), president of the National Clergy Council and chair of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical Church Alliance, America's oldest association of Evangelical ministers.
Christian Defense Coalition Joins Call Asking Pastor Rick Warren to Drop Senator Barack Obama from Speaking at Saddleback Church
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- Group troubled that one of America’s leading evangelical churches and leaders would welcome a speaker who supports the killing of innocent children and the exploitation of women through abortion.
Coalition adds that Senator Obama has forfeited his right to speak on issues of social justice by supporting violence against children through his radical pro-abortion policies. Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, “Having Senator Barack Obama speak on issues of social justice is like having a segregationist speak on civil rights. Mr. Obama supports partial-birth abortion and has voted against bills prohibiting taxpayers paying for abortion.
Coalition adds that Senator Obama has forfeited his right to speak on issues of social justice by supporting violence against children through his radical pro-abortion policies. Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, “Having Senator Barack Obama speak on issues of social justice is like having a segregationist speak on civil rights. Mr. Obama supports partial-birth abortion and has voted against bills prohibiting taxpayers paying for abortion.
Speaking the Truth in Love to Pastor Rick Warren
Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries writes:
"If you have followed this ministry for some time, you know that I have made the issue of "America's Pastor", Rick Warren, a lesser focus than other issues with which we deal. I have had a radio debate focusing on both sides of the "Purpose Driven" movement and have mentioned some other "Purpose Driven" issues occasionally. I have received hundreds of emails over three years, most expressing sorrow about church splits and being tossed out of a church for not approving of PDL coming in, but also emails that talk about remarkable spiritual and numerical growth due to the PDL plan for church growth. To be perfectly honest, the negative emails outnumber the positive ones twenty to one."
"If you have followed this ministry for some time, you know that I have made the issue of "America's Pastor", Rick Warren, a lesser focus than other issues with which we deal. I have had a radio debate focusing on both sides of the "Purpose Driven" movement and have mentioned some other "Purpose Driven" issues occasionally. I have received hundreds of emails over three years, most expressing sorrow about church splits and being tossed out of a church for not approving of PDL coming in, but also emails that talk about remarkable spiritual and numerical growth due to the PDL plan for church growth. To be perfectly honest, the negative emails outnumber the positive ones twenty to one."
World Ecumenical Head to Lead Delegation on Taiwan Visit
From Christian Today ( UK ecumenical publication ):
The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, will lead an ecumenical delegation on a visit of Taiwan from 23 to 26 November, following an invitation made by the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT), which is the WCC member church in the country. During its four-day visit, the delegation will meet with PCT leadership and staff, and attend a public meeting at the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary where Kobia will address the public on the topic of “The spirit and basic concerns of the ecumenical movement and the interactive relationship between ecumenism and spirituality”.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, will lead an ecumenical delegation on a visit of Taiwan from 23 to 26 November, following an invitation made by the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT), which is the WCC member church in the country. During its four-day visit, the delegation will meet with PCT leadership and staff, and attend a public meeting at the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary where Kobia will address the public on the topic of “The spirit and basic concerns of the ecumenical movement and the interactive relationship between ecumenism and spirituality”.
Rick Warren called 'enabler and defender' of evil
From World Net Daily: Megachurch pastor Rick Warren may have been unprepared for the Syrian media's propaganda using his name during his recent visit and he may have confused religious tolerance with religious freedom, but neither is an excuse for becoming "an enabler and defender of evil," according to experts on the Mideast and its persecution of non-Muslims. "Rick Warren can do us all a favor and keep his remarks and opinions to himself. When you don't stand up against and condemn evil, let alone say misrepresented facts about an evil regime, you become an enabler and defender of evil, plain and simple," Brigitte Gabriel told WND.
Rick Warren/Barack Obama AIDS Partnership Must End, Say Pro-Life Groups
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Nov. 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- As those who have worked to defend preborn children from the horrors of abortion in America and who have stood uncompromisingly against the legalized slaughter of an estimated 50 million Americans in the womb since 1973, we join with one voice in expressing our indignation and opposition to Rick Warren's welcoming of Senator Barack Obama to his church on December 1, 2006. Rick Warren is bringing Senator Obama to his church to speak for his Global Summit on AIDS and the church and to take an AIDS test in front of the cameras at a noon press conference.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Would you send your pastor to this conference ?
From Lighthouse Trails Research Project:
"Zondervan Publishing's 2007 National Pastors Convention will take place on February 5th through 10th. If you and your church plan to send your pastor, youth pastor or other church leaders, you might want to think twice about that. As we have shown through our documentation and research , the National Pastor's Convention is a place where pastors will be introduced to contemplative spirituality and the emerging church. And they won't be told the truth about these belief systems. On the contrary, they will be told that they need new "ancient wisdom" practices like contemplative prayer, lectio divina, labyrinths and more to have a really deep and meaningful relationship with God. "
"Zondervan Publishing's 2007 National Pastors Convention will take place on February 5th through 10th. If you and your church plan to send your pastor, youth pastor or other church leaders, you might want to think twice about that. As we have shown through our documentation and research , the National Pastor's Convention is a place where pastors will be introduced to contemplative spirituality and the emerging church. And they won't be told the truth about these belief systems. On the contrary, they will be told that they need new "ancient wisdom" practices like contemplative prayer, lectio divina, labyrinths and more to have a really deep and meaningful relationship with God. "
AUDIO PROOF: Rick Warren tells an outright LIE!
Syndicated Columnist and Talk Show Host Kevin McCullough writes:
"Anyone who has listened to my show, read my syndicated column, or perused this blog in the past weeks knows I had been attempting to help encourage Rick Warren by showing him the merits of dis-inviting the leftist Senator from Illinois Barack Obama from speaking to his gathered faithful this coming Friday. (If you would like to express your opinion to Warren and his staff personally - 949.609.8000.)Simultaneously Warren found himself fending off what seemed credible reports at the time from Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily, who reported exclusively on Rick's rather bizarre endorsement of Syria (a terrorist state) as a place of moderation for Christians. Farah's reporting included a YouTube video originally posted by Warren's own staff that in fact had Warren saying THIS specifically."
Audio clip found here, too: http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=392&more=1&c=1
"Anyone who has listened to my show, read my syndicated column, or perused this blog in the past weeks knows I had been attempting to help encourage Rick Warren by showing him the merits of dis-inviting the leftist Senator from Illinois Barack Obama from speaking to his gathered faithful this coming Friday. (If you would like to express your opinion to Warren and his staff personally - 949.609.8000.)Simultaneously Warren found himself fending off what seemed credible reports at the time from Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily, who reported exclusively on Rick's rather bizarre endorsement of Syria (a terrorist state) as a place of moderation for Christians. Farah's reporting included a YouTube video originally posted by Warren's own staff that in fact had Warren saying THIS specifically."
Audio clip found here, too: http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=392&more=1&c=1
Rick Warren's Tangled Web on Syria
Joseph Farah of World Net Daily drills down for the truth:
"Warren has been telling the world he was misquoted by the Syrian press when he extolled the virtues of the totalitarian police state.
But before anyone questioned his statements, Warren's Saddleback Church had recorded him as he strolled down a Damascus street explaining what a peaceful and tolerant place Syria really is...
As soon as I hotlinked to the YouTube video last week and questioned Rick Warren about it, the church yanked it. I didn't have time to download a copy, but, thankfully, one johnny-on-the-spot talk-show host did. You may not be able to see it, but you can at least hear it. Here is a word-for-word transcript of what Warren said in the 50-second video: "Syria's a place that has Muslims and Christians living together for 1,400 years. So it's a lot more peaceful, honestly, than a lot of other places because Christians were here first. "
"Warren has been telling the world he was misquoted by the Syrian press when he extolled the virtues of the totalitarian police state.
But before anyone questioned his statements, Warren's Saddleback Church had recorded him as he strolled down a Damascus street explaining what a peaceful and tolerant place Syria really is...
As soon as I hotlinked to the YouTube video last week and questioned Rick Warren about it, the church yanked it. I didn't have time to download a copy, but, thankfully, one johnny-on-the-spot talk-show host did. You may not be able to see it, but you can at least hear it. Here is a word-for-word transcript of what Warren said in the 50-second video: "Syria's a place that has Muslims and Christians living together for 1,400 years. So it's a lot more peaceful, honestly, than a lot of other places because Christians were here first. "
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Pope Benedict XVI's Visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate
November 29 & 30, 2006:
"With the encouragement and the blessings of their Holiness Pope Benedict and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew a group of scholars from the Universities of Berlin, Nottingham and Vienna as well as the Academies of Sciences of Bavaria and the Vatican, representing the western Church tradition and another group from the Universities of Athens, Ioannina, Komotini, Thessaloniki and the National Research Foundation representing the eastern Church tradition, organize a symposion on "Modes of Communication between Rome and Constantinople through the centuries".
"His All Holiness, BARTHOLOMEW, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch is the 270th successor of the 2,000 year-old local Christian Church founded by St. Andrew. As a citizen of Turkey, Patriarch Bartholomew’s personal experience provides him a unique perspective on the continuing dialogue among the Christian, Islamic and Jewish worlds. He works to advance reconciliation among Catholic, Muslim and Orthodox communities, such as in former Yugoslavia, and is supportive of peace building measures to diffuse global conflict in the region." Read more here: http://www.ec-patr.org/athp/index.php?lang=en
"With the encouragement and the blessings of their Holiness Pope Benedict and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew a group of scholars from the Universities of Berlin, Nottingham and Vienna as well as the Academies of Sciences of Bavaria and the Vatican, representing the western Church tradition and another group from the Universities of Athens, Ioannina, Komotini, Thessaloniki and the National Research Foundation representing the eastern Church tradition, organize a symposion on "Modes of Communication between Rome and Constantinople through the centuries".
"His All Holiness, BARTHOLOMEW, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch is the 270th successor of the 2,000 year-old local Christian Church founded by St. Andrew. As a citizen of Turkey, Patriarch Bartholomew’s personal experience provides him a unique perspective on the continuing dialogue among the Christian, Islamic and Jewish worlds. He works to advance reconciliation among Catholic, Muslim and Orthodox communities, such as in former Yugoslavia, and is supportive of peace building measures to diffuse global conflict in the region." Read more here: http://www.ec-patr.org/athp/index.php?lang=en
Watchdog: new UN Human Rights Council 'confrontational', gets failing grade
From the Israeli Insider:
"A report released by the Geneva-based United Nations watchdog, UN Watch, at the end of last week revealed a dismal progress report for the newly created UN Human Rights Council. The Council, which was set up to replace the discredited Human Rights Commission, received its first major report card after its creation in the spring of this year... The report also draws criticism to the Council's statistically anti-Israel bent, noting that despite massive killing in Darfur and Iraq, and widespread abuse in China, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and Zimbabwe, the Council has "devoted 100% of its censure powers to one-sided condemnations of Israel, in four country-specific resolutions and three special sessions. It has yet to pass a resolution or convene a special session against any other state."
"A report released by the Geneva-based United Nations watchdog, UN Watch, at the end of last week revealed a dismal progress report for the newly created UN Human Rights Council. The Council, which was set up to replace the discredited Human Rights Commission, received its first major report card after its creation in the spring of this year... The report also draws criticism to the Council's statistically anti-Israel bent, noting that despite massive killing in Darfur and Iraq, and widespread abuse in China, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and Zimbabwe, the Council has "devoted 100% of its censure powers to one-sided condemnations of Israel, in four country-specific resolutions and three special sessions. It has yet to pass a resolution or convene a special session against any other state."
It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again
Hal Lindsey writes:
"It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again ...
According to a report issued by the World Jewish Congress last week, anti-Semitic sentiments in the European continent have doubled since the beginning of the summer.
And according to Professor Dina Porat, co-coordinator of the conference, the research showed a significant change in the attitudes toward Jews. And not just among extremists, but also in moderate sectors of the European population.
"It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again ...
According to a report issued by the World Jewish Congress last week, anti-Semitic sentiments in the European continent have doubled since the beginning of the summer.
And according to Professor Dina Porat, co-coordinator of the conference, the research showed a significant change in the attitudes toward Jews. And not just among extremists, but also in moderate sectors of the European population.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving Devotion by Oswald Chambers
Only by His wonderful grace can we see from His perspective, rejoice always, and continually give thanks. Only by His life in us can we walk in humility and live together in the victory of His cross. Only by His Spirit in us can we obey His Word and follow His ways. Therefore we can thank Him -- not only for the sunny days and happy moments -- but even more for those things that show us our need and draw us closer to Him:
Purpose-Driven Deception on a Global Scale
Berit Kjos,of Kjos Ministires writes:
"America's Pastor" Rick Warren rarely misses an opportunity to highlight the sales of his books or the influence of his PEACE Plan. But his latest boast to Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily reveals a depth of deception that demands both a sober response and a public warning. And it begs answers to these puzzling questions:
Why would the globalist Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) invite a Christian Pastor to join its semi-secret, anti-Christian organization? How might Rick Warren benefit the elite Oxford Analytica, which works with globalist power brokers such as J.P. Morgan, the Aspen Institute, the World Bank]?What could drive Pastor Warren to lie and deny his taped dialogue with a Syrian Muslim leader? "
"America's Pastor" Rick Warren rarely misses an opportunity to highlight the sales of his books or the influence of his PEACE Plan. But his latest boast to Joseph Farah at WorldNetDaily reveals a depth of deception that demands both a sober response and a public warning. And it begs answers to these puzzling questions:
Why would the globalist Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) invite a Christian Pastor to join its semi-secret, anti-Christian organization? How might Rick Warren benefit the elite Oxford Analytica, which works with globalist power brokers such as J.P. Morgan, the Aspen Institute, the World Bank]?What could drive Pastor Warren to lie and deny his taped dialogue with a Syrian Muslim leader? "
Purpose-Driven Lack of Good Sense: Warren Faces Consequences of Compromising the Word of God
Bill Wilson, KIN Senior Analyst writes:
"Saddleback Church pastor and author of The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren, learned a hard lesson about how compromising the Word of God has harsh consequences.
Warren went to Syria trying to build bridges for peace as part of his international PEACE Plan ministry. According to the Syrian media, he said that 80 percent of Americans reject the U.S. administration's policies in Iraq and the Middle East; he hailed Syria as an example of how Christians and Muslims live together in tolerance and peace; and he said he would bring the true story of Syria to the American people. Now Warren is saying he was misquoted and used and that he is a pastor, not a diplomat. He is also undiscerning and unwise. "
"Saddleback Church pastor and author of The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren, learned a hard lesson about how compromising the Word of God has harsh consequences.
Warren went to Syria trying to build bridges for peace as part of his international PEACE Plan ministry. According to the Syrian media, he said that 80 percent of Americans reject the U.S. administration's policies in Iraq and the Middle East; he hailed Syria as an example of how Christians and Muslims live together in tolerance and peace; and he said he would bring the true story of Syria to the American people. Now Warren is saying he was misquoted and used and that he is a pastor, not a diplomat. He is also undiscerning and unwise. "
Demanding Accountability for Purpose-Driven Failures
Chris Rosebrough of Extreme Theology writes:
"Earlier this week I pointed readers to the Orange County Register article that reported the layoffs and restructuring over at ‘Purpose-Driven’ ministries. Now Christianity Today has picked up on the story and has written about the layoffs at Purpose-Driven. I insist that the leaders at Purpose-Driven be held accountable for their failures!I’m doing this because over the past few years THEY have been judging other ministries and churches and pronounced them to be failures because they were not growing. For years the folks at Purpose-Driven have been selling a ‘miracle program’ that guaranteed growth. THEY have been promising a minimum of 20% growth to every church that follows THEIR methods."
"Earlier this week I pointed readers to the Orange County Register article that reported the layoffs and restructuring over at ‘Purpose-Driven’ ministries. Now Christianity Today has picked up on the story and has written about the layoffs at Purpose-Driven. I insist that the leaders at Purpose-Driven be held accountable for their failures!I’m doing this because over the past few years THEY have been judging other ministries and churches and pronounced them to be failures because they were not growing. For years the folks at Purpose-Driven have been selling a ‘miracle program’ that guaranteed growth. THEY have been promising a minimum of 20% growth to every church that follows THEIR methods."
Assassinated Lebanon politician was star
By ZEINA KARAM, Associated Press Writer
"Pierre Gemayel, assassinated on Tuesday, was a rising star in one of Lebanon's most prominent Christian political families, widely expected to carry its mantle into the next generation. He was the fifth member of his family to die violently. With his boyish looks and often blunt comments, the 34-year-old industry minister was not always taken seriously by Lebanese politicians, some of whom considered him the spoiled son of an influential dynasty.But Gemayel gained more solid following during six years in parliament. He played a prominent role in rallying Lebanon's youth during the so-called "independence uprising" — a wave of massive anti-Syrian protests that followed the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri."
"Pierre Gemayel, assassinated on Tuesday, was a rising star in one of Lebanon's most prominent Christian political families, widely expected to carry its mantle into the next generation. He was the fifth member of his family to die violently. With his boyish looks and often blunt comments, the 34-year-old industry minister was not always taken seriously by Lebanese politicians, some of whom considered him the spoiled son of an influential dynasty.But Gemayel gained more solid following during six years in parliament. He played a prominent role in rallying Lebanon's youth during the so-called "independence uprising" — a wave of massive anti-Syrian protests that followed the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri."
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
New Age Leader, Marianne Williamson, Comes to Rick Warren's Defense - "Meditation" is Common Ground
From Lighthouse Trails Research:
"Tuesday, in an article in the Detroit News, something happened that doesn't happen every day. In fact, it may never have happened before. The headline read, "Faith leaders deserve a shot at creating peace on earth." The author of the article was defending Rick Warren - well that's not too unusual - many Christian leaders, pastors and teachers have done that consistently these past four years. That would hardly be newsworthy. But this article was written by someone who does not defend conservative Christians. On the contrary, she stands for beliefs that are opposed to biblical Christianity. Her name is Marianne Williamson. "
"Tuesday, in an article in the Detroit News, something happened that doesn't happen every day. In fact, it may never have happened before. The headline read, "Faith leaders deserve a shot at creating peace on earth." The author of the article was defending Rick Warren - well that's not too unusual - many Christian leaders, pastors and teachers have done that consistently these past four years. That would hardly be newsworthy. But this article was written by someone who does not defend conservative Christians. On the contrary, she stands for beliefs that are opposed to biblical Christianity. Her name is Marianne Williamson. "
Christianity Today: Purpose Driven is Over?
Ingrid Schlueter writes:
"Earlier today the header on the homepage for Christianity Today read, "Purpose Driven is Dead." It now reads "Purpose Driven is Over." I would suggest Slice readers read this piece and despite what it says, realize that the Purpose Driven movement is far from over..."
"Earlier today the header on the homepage for Christianity Today read, "Purpose Driven is Dead." It now reads "Purpose Driven is Over." I would suggest Slice readers read this piece and despite what it says, realize that the Purpose Driven movement is far from over..."
Calling Rick Warren!
Joseph Farah of World Net Daily writes:
"...prominent anti-Syrian Christian politician Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in a suburb of Beirut yesterday. Gemayel, the minister of industry and son of former President Amin Gemayel, was a supporter of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority, which is locked in a power struggle with pro-Syrian factions led by Hezbollah. He was named for his grandfather, who founded the Phalange Party in 1936 to exert Christian power in Lebanon. It dominated Christian politics for decades after Lebanon's independence from France in 1943. Neither Gemayel nor his family nor the party he represented are perfect. There is no political perfection in a fallen, sinful world. But it is imperative that Christians – and especially Christian leaders – have discernment about evil in our world. And true, unadulterated evil is what you have running Syria today. The government led by Bashar Assad, who met with Rick Warren last week, is anti-American, anti-freedom, anti-Christian, ant-Jewish and pro-terrorist."
"...prominent anti-Syrian Christian politician Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in a suburb of Beirut yesterday. Gemayel, the minister of industry and son of former President Amin Gemayel, was a supporter of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority, which is locked in a power struggle with pro-Syrian factions led by Hezbollah. He was named for his grandfather, who founded the Phalange Party in 1936 to exert Christian power in Lebanon. It dominated Christian politics for decades after Lebanon's independence from France in 1943. Neither Gemayel nor his family nor the party he represented are perfect. There is no political perfection in a fallen, sinful world. But it is imperative that Christians – and especially Christian leaders – have discernment about evil in our world. And true, unadulterated evil is what you have running Syria today. The government led by Bashar Assad, who met with Rick Warren last week, is anti-American, anti-freedom, anti-Christian, ant-Jewish and pro-terrorist."
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Why is Obama's Evil in Rick Warren's Pulpit?
Kevin McCullough writes: "Rick Warren, the best selling author of The Purpose Driven Life and senior teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in California, has invited Barack Obama to speak to the congregation of the faithful on December 1, 2006. In doing so he has joined himself with one of the smoothest politicians of our times, and also one whose wickedness in worldview contradicts nearly every tenant of the Christian faith that Warren professes.
So the question is, "why?"...
Why would Warren marry the moral equivalency of his pulpit - a sacred place of honor in evangelical tradition - to the inhumane, sick, and sinister evil that Obama has worked for as a legislator?"
So the question is, "why?"...
Why would Warren marry the moral equivalency of his pulpit - a sacred place of honor in evangelical tradition - to the inhumane, sick, and sinister evil that Obama has worked for as a legislator?"
David vs. Goliath: Joseph Farah of World Net Daily takes a stand against Rick Warren
Joseph Farah writes: "I demand an apology from Rick Warren – not to me, for heaven's sake, but to Christians in Syria who choose to worship outside the state-approved churches he toured. I demand an apology to the Jews who suffer the humiliating life of dhimmitude in Syria today while Rick Warren tells the world they don't exist"
"On Faith" -- The Washington Post and Newsweek Publish a Conversation on Religion and Public Life
Dr. Albert Mohler writes:
" I am pleased to serve as a panelist on a new project undertaken by The Washington Post and Newsweek magazine. "On Faith" is described as "a conversation on religion" -- with religion described as "the most powerful yet least understood topic in global life." The conversation is moderated by Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham -- two veteran journalists -- and the conversation is sure to be interesting. The project went live this past Wednesday, and the first question is sure to get the conversation moving: If some religious people believe they have a monopoly on truth, then are conversation and common ground possible? If so, what would be the difficulties and benefits of such a conversation?"
" I am pleased to serve as a panelist on a new project undertaken by The Washington Post and Newsweek magazine. "On Faith" is described as "a conversation on religion" -- with religion described as "the most powerful yet least understood topic in global life." The conversation is moderated by Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham -- two veteran journalists -- and the conversation is sure to be interesting. The project went live this past Wednesday, and the first question is sure to get the conversation moving: If some religious people believe they have a monopoly on truth, then are conversation and common ground possible? If so, what would be the difficulties and benefits of such a conversation?"
Monday, November 20, 2006
Rick Warren Flaunts CFR Credentials--A Must Read
Ingrid Schlueter writes: "If you read nothing else on Slice ever again, please read today's commentary by Joseph Farah of Worldnet Daily. Even after covering Rick Warren's Purpose Driven follies for the last few years, the arrogance he displays as described by Mr. Farah is something that shocks me. You will be interested in Rick Warren's correspondence with him."
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Robert Schuller ( Rick Warren's mentor) and the Grand Mufti of Syria
From Lighthouse Trails Research: "In light of the recent reports that Rick Warren is in Syria visiting with political and religious leaders, including Syria's Grand Mufti, it is worth noting that Robert Schuller (of Crystal Cathedral) also visited with the Grand Mufti of Syria (in 1999), with the hope of being instrumental in bringing peace to the world."
Look who's presenting at Schuller's 2007 Conference
Mega Pastor ED YOUNG JR, & LEONARD SWEET ( Rick Warren associate)
"With the purpose of uniting generations from the classical, contemporary, and emerging churches, at Faith Forward you will not be inspired to preach sermons. We’ve done that for over 30 years. No, this is a Faith Forward Forum where you will be inspired to think, think, yes, THINK!– theologically, like you never have before! I strongly believe God is on the move raising up His leaders for the future, solidifying the thinking of contemporary pastors and calling forth seasoned pastors to pour their hearts into the younger church."- Robert H. Schuller
"With the purpose of uniting generations from the classical, contemporary, and emerging churches, at Faith Forward you will not be inspired to preach sermons. We’ve done that for over 30 years. No, this is a Faith Forward Forum where you will be inspired to think, think, yes, THINK!– theologically, like you never have before! I strongly believe God is on the move raising up His leaders for the future, solidifying the thinking of contemporary pastors and calling forth seasoned pastors to pour their hearts into the younger church."- Robert H. Schuller
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Warren, Syria and the Ecumenical Embrace
Jospeh Farah of WorldNet Daily responds to Warren's trip to Syria: Rick Warren has traveled to and provided legitimacy to a hostile foreign government, presided over by a brutal fascist dictator who hates Jews, threatens Israel, subverts neighboring Lebanon, imprisons and terrorizes its own citizens and even kills them in massive numbers when they stand up in revolt – now I have to denounce this impostor in the strongest terms possible.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Preacher or Politician ?
American Protestant Pastor Rick Warren on Monday said there was no peace in the region without Syria, noting that 80 percent of the American people rejected what the US Administration is doing in Iraq and considered the US policy in the Mideast as wrong.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Watcher's Lamp Blog Start Up
The original Watcher's Lamp was setup to share the Good News, Bible study lessons and world events. Now after 2 years, we migrate to the blog environment . Topics of spiritual deception,and the Purpose Driven Life from the original Flood Watch Page, will also be presented.
It is our hope and prayer that you will be blessed by what is presented here.
It is our hope and prayer that you will be blessed by what is presented here.
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